noun / measure word HSK 2
name · reputation · fame · classifier for people
Meaning
名 is a fundamental character meaning 'name' or 'reputation'. It refers to what someone or something is called, and by extension, one's reputation or fame. As a measure word, it's used to count people in formal or respectful contexts.
Usage
When referring to a person's name, 名 is often combined with 姓 (surname) to form 姓名 (full name). As a classifier, it's more formal than 个 and typically used for people with specific roles or statuses, such as students, athletes, or employees. The phrase 有名 means 'famous' while 出名 means 'to become famous'.
Examples
- 01你叫什么名字？?What is your name?
- 02我们班有二十名学生。.Our class has twenty students.
Measure words
- 名三名学生
Common collocations
- 名字name
- 有名famous
- 出名to become famous
- 著名famous, well-known
Origin
The character combines 夕 (evening/moon) and 口 (mouth), suggesting the idea of calling out someone's name in the darkness to identify them.